[menachem]

We have an unfinished basement with a floating floor construction. The floating wood floor (supported with steel I beams) is located about 24" above the soil since we have expansive soil. A think plastic over the soil, a special paint on the surface of the floor from below and a fan are provided to prevent mold on the wood. The basement is semi-heated but gets very cold in winter. I would like to provide additional insulation (e.g. foam spray) so we could use this space during winters.

Would insulation of the cement walls (about 24" tall mostly below ground level) around the perimeter be more effective or insulation of the whole floor from underneath? Any impact on mold prevention? How thick or what R value? Any other suggestions?

thanks,
Menachem Rafaelof
Superior, Colorado

 

[joecaption]

Anyone else having trouble making heads or tails of this post?

 

[Gary in WA]

With your floating floor over expansive soil, I would insulate the floor joists as such: http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-009-new-light-in-crawlspaces/ and cover with an approved ignition barrier or thermal barrier. Ask your local AHJ which is best for your unique situation; http://www2.iccsafe.org/cs/committeeArea/pdf_file/RE_06_64_07.pdf

Gary

 

[jklingel]

Anyone else having trouble making heads or tails of this post?

i think gary understands it. i'm not familiar w/ what he has enough to comment.